The seasonal transitions in Ohio bring a whirlwind of change, sparking creativity and inspiration. During the colder, gloomier months, it’s natural to find oneself pondering the eerie tales hidden in the state’s history. Astonishingly, Ohio is recognized as one of the most haunted states in the U.S., teeming with restless apparitions and spectral visitors. From eerie hotels to unsettling graveyards, the following itinerary will guide you through some of Ohio’s most notorious haunted spots.
The entire journey spans approximately 11 hours of driving time.
Prepare to embark on an exhilarating long weekend road trip that spans four days and three (or potentially four) nights, taking you through some of Ohio’s eeriest haunted sites — if you’re feeling brave, that is! Begin your adventure at the destination closest to you, but remember, it’s always best to have company on these spine-chilling excursions.
- Ohio University and The Ridges (Athens)
If you’re looking to kick off your adventure, consider Ohio University in Athens, which is considered one of the most haunted college campuses in the United States. This reputation is likely due to its location in a city renowned for its ghostly tales. Numerous residence halls and various structures on campus are reported to have eerie happenings. Among the most notable haunted sites are Wilson Hall, Washington Hall, and Jefferson Hall, all of which add to the institution’s spooky allure.
The Ridges:
The site that was once the Athens Lunatic Asylum now belongs to Ohio University, and remnants of its haunting past linger in the air. The facility carries with it the memories of countless mental patients who endured severe and often brutal treatments, including lobotomies. The grounds are also home to several distinctive and unsettling cemeteries, where many former patients were laid to rest. These burial sites are marked by anonymity, with most graves lacking proper names and instead only showing identifying numbers of those interred. This leaves behind a sense of unease, as the spirits of these individuals seem to roam the property, hinting at the troubled history that surrounds the former asylum.
2. Moonville Tunnel (McArthur)
Moonville, a long-forgotten coal mining settlement situated in southeastern Ohio’s Vinton County, was established in 1856 when the Marietta and Cincinnati railroad cut through its wooded landscape. Among the few remnants of this once-thriving community is the Moonville Tunnel, a site steeped in mystery and legend. According to local lore, the ghost of a man who met a tragic fate at the hands of a speeding train haunts the area, often being spotted along the tracks near the tunnel after dark.
3. The Buxton Inn (Granville)
After a thrilling day visiting Ohio’s most eerie locations, head over to Granville for a cozy overnight stay at one of the state’s most storied (and supposedly haunted) inns. Established in 1812, this charming hotel is said to be inhabited by the spirits of its former innkeepers. Guests often report unusual occurrences, making rooms 7 and 9 particularly sought after by those hoping to encounter a ghostly presence.
4. The Ohio State Reformatory (Mansfield)
Kick off the second day of your adventure at one of Ohio’s most famous haunted sites: the Mansfield Reformatory. This historic facility, once a working prison, is infamously known for its violent spirits. The restless souls of inmates who perished during brutal fights in cramped isolation cells are believed to linger throughout the hallways and cells of this former correctional institution. Guests have the opportunity to uncover the chilling history of the reformatory through guided tours, ghost-hunting experiences, and even overnight stays for the brave at heart.
5. Spitzer House Bed and Breakfast (Medina)
After an extensive day delving into the eerie tales of prison ghost stories, unwind for the evening at a delightful (but supposedly haunted) inn. Located at 504 West Liberty Street in Medina, this exquisite Victorian bed and breakfast is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former servant girl from the 19th century. Both guests and staff have recounted experiences of hearing her play the piano in the quiet halls, adding to the home’s intriguing atmosphere.
6. Franklin Castle (Cleveland)
Take a trip to Cleveland to catch a glimpse of Ohio’s most notorious haunted house from the outside, although public tours are not currently available. Nestled among trees on the architecturally vibrant Franklin Boulevard, the recently updated and notorious Franklin Castle, also known as the Hannes Tiedemann House, conceals a chilling history. Constructed in the late 1800s for German immigrant Hannes Tiedemann, this historic structure rises four stories high and boasts over 20 rooms. The mansion is filled with hidden rooms and secret passages, bearing witness to numerous deaths and tragedies throughout its past.
7. Lake View Cemetery (Cleveland)
If you find yourself exploring the Cleveland area, make sure to visit the city’s most haunted cemetery, which spans an impressive 285 acres and contains over 100,000 graves. This final resting place is the burial site for many prominent figures, such as John D. Rockefeller, James A. Garfield, and Eliot Ness, known for his efforts to reform Cleveland’s police force, although he famously failed to apprehend the notorious Torso Killer. Among the cemetery’s notable features is the Haserot Angel, a striking statue often referred to as “The Angel of Death Victorious,” renowned for its hauntingly beautiful representation of mortality.
8. Lockkeepers (Cleveland)
Looking for a delicious lunch spot? Nestled on Rockside Road in Cleveland, this charming upscale restaurant is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of Sophie Sarnacki. Once the owner of a tavern directly across the street from Lockkeepers, Sophie met a tragic end at Zimmerman’s Tavern in the 1950s. Today, it’s believed that her ghost often visits Lockkeepers, drawn by the lively atmosphere and the delight of diners savoring exquisite meals. Even after her own establishment has faded into memory, Sophie seems unable to resist the allure of good food and camaraderie at this popular eatery.
9. Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn (Hanoverton)
Rest up at the Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn. This historic inn was originally built in 1837 in the Federalist style by masons of the canal boom. Throughout the years, it has been frequented by a handful of U.S. presidents. Today, its rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who hanged herself from a third-story bedroom window. The Spread Eagle Tavern and Inn is awaiting your visit… if you dare!
10. Marietta
Complete your adventure through Ohio’s most eerie locations with the chance to spend the night in the state’s oldest town, a spot renowned for its ghostly legends. This historic area boasts haunted restaurants, hotels, and even its own streets. One particularly intriguing place is the Hotel Lafayette, where guests have shared numerous spine-chilling stories over the years. Patrons have reported strange happenings, such as belongings mysteriously disappearing, luggage being found overturned, and shampoo bottles emptied without explanation. Additionally, it is said that the hotel’s third floor is haunted by the spirit of a previous owner, adding to the spooky ambiance of this charming establishment.
Exploring Ohio from its northern to southern regions reveals a collection of eerie locations hidden within picturesque and seemingly peaceful towns. Are you ready to embark on this spine-chilling road trip?